At Diagnosis

Take one step at a time. You can learn about your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect after treatment, then decide the best next-steps for you and your family.

Take time to process the information you’re given. You probably have enough time to take a deep breath and think about your next steps. It helps to get a second or even third opinion to confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan.

You’ll want to keep records and business cards from your medical appointments to help you as you meet new doctors and work with insurance. This will include copies of your medical records, current medication and supplement list, diagnostic test results, and a list with phone numbers for all of the doctors, specialists, nurses, etc. on your team (collect their business cards). Consider bringing someone to doctors’ appointments to help you sort through information, ask questions, remember next steps, and keep notes.

TUMOR TIPS

All questions are valuable. Talk openly and honestly with your medical team. Consider sharing all of your brain tumor data and details with your full medical team and even other patients or brain tumor registries so we can get to a cure faster. It may seem difficult, but it will help you receive better care.